I took the actual benchmark out of my post, and instead quoted the article so you esteemed gentlemen may actually read it before posting; it succinctly addresses each of your concerns.

Hey now. I did read the article. The frames for both chips in nearly each bench are within proper limits. Therefore, the smoothness may be a little leaning towards one side occasionally. But, like I said, the OVERALL gaming experience will NOT be affected. So, how was I proving a not-so-realistic point?

I'm not exactly sure how accurate or useful these benches are to you. But, its worth taking a look at. These are at stock settings.

thanks, but i've seen 'em. i've been scouring. there's still a question as to whether they might be *passable* gaming chips. i'd consider the 8 way overkill, and the 6 towing the line for just gaming.

some tests show the power draw on the FX-4 to be not so bad, similar to an older i5-7xx. but if the performance just isn't there, well then...

i'm hoping that folks on here will start to publish some wide ranging data, but with the social sentiment so strong against the chip, i wonder if anyone will even bother. and i just don't have the funds to do it myself, so i wait and search. =)

there were some interesting numbers here that i got courtesy of xd_1771. worth a look: